Chapter 21: The Silent Reunion

Lucy stood before a mirror in her chambers, carefully studying her new reflection. Her once golden hair was now a striking shade of blue, flowing in soft waves that reached her shoulders. She'd cast a subtle glamour with her light magic, altering the contours of her face and changing her eye color to a deep sapphire. Her dress was a simple yet elegant creation, adorned with silver filigree that sparkled under the light, as if reflecting the stars she often gazed at in her moments of solitude.

Ajeel entered the room, his gaze softening as he took in her transformation.[ "Are you sure about this, Lucy?"] he asked, his tone carrying a mix of concern and resignation.

Lucy took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his through the mirror's reflection. ["I have to see them, Ajeel. Just once. I need to know they're okay. From now on, though, you should call me Rose."] She turned to face him, determination evident in her expression. ["I won't let them recognize me. This way, I can be a part of this banquet without putting everything at risk."]

Brandish appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, a skeptical look on her face. ["You're really playing with fire here,"] she muttered, though her gaze softened as she took in Lucy's resolute stance. ["If they catch even a glimpse of the real you, it could unravel everything. You know that."]

Lucy managed a small smile, hoping to ease her friends' worries. ["That's why I have both you and Dimria watching my back. I promise, I'll be careful."]

Ajeel sighed, giving her a nod of reluctant acceptance. ["Alright, then. Let's go. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can get back to your life here."]

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The grand hall of the Alvarez palace was alive with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of classical music. The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers and spices, making the atmosphere both intoxicating and dreamlike. The Fairy Tail delegation—Levy, Wendy, Fried, Romeo, Max, Carla, and the children Georgie and Asuka—were wide-eyed, taking in the lavishness of the surroundings.

["Wow, this place is amazing!"] Asuka whispered, her eyes filled with awe as she clutched Levy's hand.

Levy glanced down at her friend's daughter with a smile, then looked around the hall with admiration. ["I never thought I'd see Alvarez like this. It's hard to believe this is the same nation that once waged war against us."]

Fried nodded, surveying the room with a critical eye. ["It is impressive. But let's not forget why we're here—to represent Fairy Tail and strengthen the relations between Fiore and Alvarez."]

As they moved further into the hall, Max noticed a familiar pair of faces—Jacob and Dimaria. The group paused, unsure of how to react, until Wendy took the lead. ["Hello, Dimaria, Jacob,"] she greeted with a polite bow. ["It's been a long time. It's nice to see you both."]

Dimaria chuckled, folding her arms as she eyed the group. ["Well, well, if it isn't Fairy Tail. Didn't think I'd see the lot of you here after all these years. It's almost nostalgic."]

Jacob, giving Dimaria a slight nudge, cleared his throat and offered a more formal greeting. ["Welcome. We're glad you made the trip. Alvarez is...different now."] He smiled, though his eyes held a flicker of something akin to sadness.

The group exchanged glances, and Levy stepped forward, introducing Georgie and Asuka with a warm smile. As they settled into conversation, Fried turned to Jacob, curiosity in his gaze. ["So, how have things been here since the war ended?"]

Jacob chuckled softly, crossing his arms. ["Things are calmer now. Life here...well, it's not quite as exciting as it once was, but we've all found a way to move on. Peace has a strange way of feeling both refreshing and dull at the same time."]

Dimaria rolled her eyes with a smirk. ["Speak for yourself, Jacob. I prefer it quiet. Though I do miss having an excuse to let loose once in a while."] She looked to Levy, her gaze lingering. ["I imagine you all are okay now. We heard about Lucy and we know you all miss Lucy. She was always such a spark in any room she walked into."]

Levy's expression softened, her heart tightening at the mention of her friend. ["We do miss her. But wherever she is, I know she's doing what she needs to do. She's strong, and we have to trust that."]

As they spoke, Georgie approached Jacob, eyes bright with curiosity. ["Mr. Jacob, is it true you were a great assassin?"] His voice held a mix of awe and excitement, making the adults around him chuckle.

Jacob laughed, crouching down to meet the boy's gaze. ["Well, I had my moments. But those days are behind me. Now, I just keep the palace in order."]

Dimaria scoffed, nudging him playfully. ["Oh, don't let him fool you. He's still as sharp as ever. Old habits die hard."]

Max, listening intently, leaned in with a grin. ["So, Jacob, what can you tell us about this princess we've heard so much about? I hear she's quite something."]

Jacob's expression softened at the mention of Princess Luna. ["She's...special. Smart, mischievous, and the light of this palace. Her mother has done everything to keep her safe and happy. That girl is something else."]

Fried exchanged a look with Romeo, his curiosity piqued. ["She sounds remarkable. But we've heard so little about her or her mother. It's as if they've both been shrouded in mystery."]

Dimaria's smile faded, and she glanced away briefly before responding. "[Lady Rose, Luna's mother, prefers to keep a low profile. She's...protective. It's why you haven't seen much of either of them."]

Georgie's eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity. ["I'd like to meet the princess! And maybe she could visit Fairy Tail one day?"]

Levy quickly interjected, ruffling his hair. ["Princess Luna has her duties here, just like we have ours back home. But maybe one day, if her mother allows, she'll see a bit more of the world."]

Jacob chuckled, ruffling Georgie's hair. ["I'll pass along the invitation, though I can't promise anything. Princess Luna has a way of surprising everyone, though."]

As they spoke, a hush fell over the room. The grand doors swung open, and Ajeel entered with Princess Luna by his side. She wore a golden gown that shimmered with every step, her redish golden curls framing a face that seemed almost familiar. She carried herself with a natural grace, her expression both curious and composed as she took in the gathered crowd.

Ajeel raised his hand, addressing the room with a booming voice. ["Welcome, friends and guests! Today, we celebrate the birthday and future of Princess Luna Alvarez, the light of our kingdom."] He looked at the Fairy Tail delegation, his eyes glinting with recognition. ["We are also honored by the presence of our friends from Fiore. Thank you for joining us in this celebration."]

Levy and Wendy exchanged a glance, their hearts skipping a beat as they took in the princess's appearance. There was something about her—something that tugged at their memories.

["She looks familiar,"] Fried murmured to Romeo, his brows furrowing. ["It's like I've seen her before."]

Romeo nodded, never taking his eyes off the young princess. ["Yeah. There's a spark in her eyes that reminds me of.."]

Meanwhile, Lucy or 'Lady Rose' stood in the shadows, her heart aching as she watched her daughter stand proudly beside Ajeel. Lucy, hidden in her disguise, knew she couldn't reveal herself, but just being here, seeing her friends so close, was enough. Her chest swelled with a mix of pride and sorrow, knowing that she was here for this moment, even if they didn't know it was her.

As Luna waved shyly to the crowd, her gaze fell on the Fairy Tail group, lingering for a moment. For a brief second, Levy thought she saw a glimmer of recognition in the girl's eyes, but Luna quickly looked away.

Just then, Brandish arrived beside them. ["She's a natural, isn't she?"] she said with a hint of pride.

Levy greeted her and says smilingly, ["She's just lovely. She probably takes after her mother."]

Brandish looked away, "Yes.." a faint sadness and smile flickering across her face, "Yes.. she looks like her mother and has pesonality like her father" murmured.

The banquet commenced, and the guests were soon lost in the festivities, marveling at Luna's charm and grace. Levy found herself talking to Brandish, feeling a sense of ease despite the strange circumstances. 

As the hall buzzed with conversation, the doors opened once more, and a new presence entered. A woman with long, blue hair, dressed in a simple but elegantand stunning azure gown, commanded the attention of everyone present. Her beauty was undeniable.

["Who's that?"] Max asked, his eyes wide with awe.

Brandish replied, ["That's Lady Rose, Princess Luna's mother."]

The room was filled with hushed voices and admiring glances, but Lady Rose kept her head high, eyes focused only on the young girl by Ajeel's side. She stole a glance at Levy, Wendy, and the others, a bittersweet smile touching her lips. Watching them so close, yet so far, she felt a pang in her chest.

As Lucy, or Lady Rose, joined the gathering, the guests couldn't help but admire her beauty, remarking on the resemblance between mother and daughter. Even as they were unaware of her true identity, they were captivated by her presence.

Dimaria and Brandish exchanged glances, a mixture of worry and relief evident in their expressions. Though their old friend stood before them under an alias, they were grateful that she had this moment with those she loved, even if it was from afar.